The Best Micellar Water

Updated on 13 January 2023

After 7 hours of research, comparing 28 make-up removers and testing 12 of them, we believe the hydrating version of Jonzac offers the best value for money currently available.

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

Our choice, Best mid-range

Eau Thermale Jonzac Hydration (500 ml)

Formulated with thermal spring water and chamomile floral water, this cleanser and make-up remover has it all to ensure a clean, soft and smooth face. Ideal for sensitive skin, it has a superior, organic composition.

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Eau Thermale Jonzac

Eau Thermale de Jonzac has established itself on the market as a benchmark for sensitive skin by offering gentle, effective and eco-certified products at a reasonable price. The micellar water is no exception to the rule and is suitable for all skin types. During our tests, it managed to remove make-up effectively (with non-waterproof make-up). It did not irritate our skin or sting our eyes. You will also find other waters from this brand that meet different needs (anti-ageing, purifying, soothing…).

 

 

Best budget

So'bio étic Precieux Argan (500 ml)

Based on argan nut extract and chamomile floral water, it is suitable for all skin types, and gently cleanses and removes makeup for a clean and soft result.

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So'bio étic Precieux Argan

Certified organic, it is ideal for clean and soft skin, this water with a rather simple composition proves to be effective and seduces by its quality/price ratio considered to be very interesting. Natural and certified organic, it is composed of chamomile floral water and argan nut extract, which helps to keep the skin in good condition. During our tests, it removed makeup (including lipstick and lipstick) without tugging at our skin or stinging our eyes.

 

Best high-end

Laboratorios Filorga (400 ml)

This anti-ageing micellar water proved to be the most effective in our tests. We also liked the fact that it was fragrance-free, which is a good thing for a complete beauty routine.

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Filorga Solution Micellaire Anti-âge

This solution was the most effective in our tests, as it took less time to remove make-up than the other waters we tested. On the other hand, we found its packaging a little less convenient to use. And although its composition is not the best on the market, we had no negative reactions: no stinging in the eyes, no tightness in the skin. Finally, please also note that, contrary to what is stated in the title of this product in several e-tailers, it does not contain hyaluronic acid…

 

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-rangeBest budgetBest high-end
Eau Thermale Jonzac Hydration (500 ml) So'bio étic Precieux Argan (500 ml) Laboratorios Filorga (400 ml)
Formulated with thermal spring water and chamomile floral water, this cleanser and make-up remover has it all to ensure a clean, soft and smooth face. Ideal for sensitive skin, it has a superior, organic composition. Based on argan nut extract and chamomile floral water, it is suitable for all skin types, and gently cleanses and removes makeup for a clean and soft result. This anti-ageing micellar water proved to be the most effective in our tests. We also liked the fact that it was fragrance-free, which is a good thing for a complete beauty routine.
£ 16.43 on Amazon £ 10.56 on Amazon £ 19.70 on Amazon

 

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How did we do the testing?

To test micellar waters, we first look at their packaging (ease of use, not too much product leaking out…). We then used them daily to remove blusher, mascara (not waterproof) and concealer. The finalist products were also specifically tested to see if they could easily remove our lipstick and lipstick.

This also allowed us to check the reaction of our skin (redness, itchy eyes, tightness or stickiness…). Finally, we analysed its composition to highlight its main active ingredients, as well as certain elements that we wanted to avoid (allergens, alcohols, perfumes, PEGs, quaternary ammoniums, silicones, etc.).

 

How to choose your micellar water?

Cleansing the skin should be an essential step in any beauty routine. And for some years now, micellar waters have been on the market in abundance. But what exactly are they for, how should they be used, and how do you choose a product that meets your needs from the multitude of products on offer?

Eau micellaire

To help you in your search, we take stock with you:

  • Micellar water, what is it?: This cleansing and make-up removal product is made up of micelles – to which it owes its name – i.e. small surfactant particles capable of attracting and trapping impurities and make-up to remove them from the skin. They are composed of a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail (the latter attracts greasy substances and other “dirt”, which are retained by the hydrophilic part). Micellar water has the advantage of being fresh, light and often soothing, as well as offering a practical two-in-one solution.

Eau micellaire

  • Use: You can use it in the morning to cleanse your skin (excess sebum, perspiration, etc.) and/or in the evening to remove makeup, or simply to get your skin clean again. Please note that many of them will probably not be sufficient to remove all traces of waterproof or particularly stubborn makeup on their own. To avoid tight or dry skin, do not hesitate to apply a moisturiser afterwards.
  • With or without rinsing? One of the main marketing arguments in favour of micellar water’s ease of use is that it does not require rinsing, but not everyone seems to be convinced. Many experts advise rinsing your face after use (to remove surfactants), even if it says “no-rinse”, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. If you don’t like to use tap water, you should know that some people use thermal or floral water to rinse their face instead.

Eau micellaire

Did you know? Micellar water is also often used as a baby cleanser, replacing liniments and wipes.

Of course, as with any skincare product, it is essential to choose micellar water that suits your skin type. Although they are often considered suitable for all skin types, the most sensitive and reactive ones should take special care (the importance of the composition of the products). In this case, be sure to choose the most skin-friendly surfactants, especially non-ionic ones, which are less irritating.

Eau micellaire

 

Other micellar water we recommend

Garnier SkinActive Solution (£3.69 / 400 ml upon publication): a popular alternative. This solution cleanses, removes makeup and moisturises without rinsing. When we used it, we found it really effective at removing make-up, even when we were applying lipstick and lipstick as well as mascara and concealer. However, while it didn’t sting our eyes, we did find the composition to be a little worse than the others in our top pick.

 

Other micellar waters tested

Neutrogena Skin-Detox Triple-Action (£13.43 / 400 ml upon publication): we quickly realised that this micellar water had a particular smell, a bit like certain disinfectants. And we were not reassured by its composition either…

La Provençale Bio Anti-Age (£10.56 / 400 ml upon publication): during our tests, we found the skin was more sticky and tight after using this water than with other solutions. Moreover, its composition is far from perfect (allergens, alcohols, suspected endocrine disruptors…). 

Avril Eau Micellaire (£17.99 / 500 ml upon publication): this product left our skin quite sticky and tight. In addition, its peculiar smell can be annoying.

 

 

Translated by Ramsés El Hajje

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